Product Description

The American Elite Stratocaster is a progressive guitar for 21st-century musicians. Designed for players who push the envelope every night, this guitar is a true performer that leaves others in the dust with eye-catching style, exceptional feel and versatile sound from the very first moment you plug it in and play.

Featured on all American Elite instruments, the new 4th generation Noiseless pickups are only available in this series, and represent a quantum leap in pickup design. Combining vintage-style sound with effectively noise-free performance, these are the pinnacle of Fender’s noiseless pickup designs, offering pristine cleans and fat, overdriven tones that scream with pure rock ‘n’ roll power.

Designed for fast playing and effortless position changes, the compound profile neck is ideal for all playing styles. A modern “C”-shape at the nut, the profile morphs along the length of the neck to a modern “D”-shaped profile at the updated neck heel, providing plenty of comfortable support for fret hand antics. Locking, all short-post tuning machines provide increased break angle at the bone nut for buzz-free performance. The smooth two-point modern tremolo adds emotive touches to your performance without sacrificing your tuning.

Fender is renowned for head-turning style, and this guitar is no different—from newly refined, sleek and deeper contours that hug the player’s body to the black chrome headstock logo and large pearloid fret markers this instrument will dazzle the audience with elegant style. The American Elite Stratocaster is a bold new guitar for the brave new guitarist who is setting out to cross uncharted musical terrain. Includes a redesigned Elite Molded Case with TSA locks to provide increased protection for your cherished instrument.

Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling
and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a
complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.

For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks)
For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax.
Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement
Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold
Plans are renewable on new gear

*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details

Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.

I'll start out by saying--the "box opening" experience for this guitar was unbelievable. I also own a MIM Standard Strat that I bought brand new, and there was a HUGE difference in the setup quality between these two instruments. I do my own setup, and was prepared to do so for the Elite Strat, but it needed no adjustments. The guitar arrived perfectly intonated, string height set at 3/64 with NO buzzing frets, frets perfectly leveled and polished to a mirror finish. Fret ends honed perfectly, and the nut was also filed beautifully.

The MIM strat required adjustments and work to all of the above areas I mentioned. Not that I mind doing all of that, I actually enjoy it--but there is something to be said for a guitar that players so well right out of the box.

So I don't know who did the setup (MF or Fender Corona, or both) but they really know what they are doing.

Now, the tone. The first thing I noticed--this guitar is acoustically loud and clear un-amplified! I plugged into my Marshall JCM-800 with 4x12 cabinet. With the S1 switch set to parallel (up position) you get a sweet quack from 5-way positions 2 and 4. Positions 1, 3, and 5 are absolutely noiseless, and of course positions 2 and 4 are as well. Pressing the S1 switch adds some "phasy grunge," especially at positions 2 and 4--almost a Les Paul sound--of course most of the "quack" goes away.

Kicking on my Lone Wolf Audio Minotaur Silver box, this guitar dirtied-up sweetly--huge harmonics, crazy sustain. I gave this floating whammy a workout, and the strings stayed with 2 cents to pitch (I tune to E-flat). I also should say that I changed the 3 wound strings to Diaddario Flat wounds (26, 32, 38) because I don't like round-wound strings, and in my opinion, sustain and tone are better with the flats (your mileage may vary).

I could say much more--out of characters.

Great guitar--well worth the price!
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.This guitar was deeply discounted and advertised as a 'blem'. However, I cannot find a scratch, scuff, or smudge on it. The action is correct, neck is straight and perfectly aligned with the strings. The guitar is perfect. The case is perfect.
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.I have owned Fender Stratocasters since I began playing at age 12. I have performed with national recording artists, large venues and small venues. Every (previously owned) Stratocaster required my own setup. I had to put my own pups in, add special noise cancelling equipment to eliminate the 60 cycle hum, add titanium saddles, add locking tuners, bone nut and strap locks...so I beasically had to strip the "stock" Stratocaster and make it fit my personal preferences.

This guitar is amazing. It's called "Elite" for a reason and it definitely lives up to its name. The tone is amazing. There is no 60 cycle hum. It plays like a well broken in guitar. The C to a D neck with the cutaway on the back makes this guitar a real player. It is so fun to play and it sounds amazing.

I play for a very large church, so the noiseless pups are critical to the style of music that I play. The tonal options are incredible and launches this guitar to the top of the list. This is the best guitar I have ever owned and that is saying something after owning 100's of guitars. I've been playing for over 33 years. I have an extensive background in professional performance and have played in large venues. Trust me...this guitar is as good as it gets.

I chose Mystic Black with a maple neck. Mystic Black is amazing. I usually go for the sunburst, but I'm so glad I chose Mystic Black. It has a little sparkle to it when viewed up close. The vintage colored knobs and pickgsurd really set this guitar apart. It comes with an above average strap - not the cheesy old Fender straps. Also included are strap locks, a manual to show pickup variations, a sweet case and many yeas of enjoyment.
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.The absolute best about this guitar is the compound neck with the smooth satin finish, S1 control system, and the noiseless pickups. The locking tuners are great, but the previous three make the guitar. There are such variations in the tonal sound from the three pickups, 5 position switch, and the S1 controls covering a wide venue of selections.
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.

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Well I love the neck! That was the first wow factor. Played it acoustically and oh man....I thought I can't wait to plug it in. I'm not much of a strat guy so I didn't know anything about the pickups. I bought it purely because it felt and sounded good...With that said I absolutely love these pickups.. Stacked up against these vintage alnico single coils they sound every bit as good...now the bad......I bought the cherry burst finish. With that finish fender should not have 3 pieced the body together...some of the guitars I had to go through look like a joke. The reason for the 4 star. A 2 piece is acceptable but lets keep it right down the center.....some of them looked like they glued a 2x4 to the side of a 2x8...just ridiculous for the cost...All in all if you go through enough of them you can find a nice one......
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.

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Plays very well.
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.This is the cream of the crop for sure! I bought the black model and was in love with it when I got it. It has a great feeling neck (I mean really amazing). The N1 switching adds some spice to the standard 5-way set up, and it can be fun. The look of the guitar is great when it comes to the black model. It isn't the straight black I thought it was either. It has a metallic flaking in the paint job that really is cool to look at up close. The knobs feel pretty good, and would come in handy if you gig and get sweaty. The sound is key here and BOY DOES THIS SOUND GOOD! I mean it lives up to the Fender sound, and I love it. Great addition to the collection for sure.
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.

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I just picked up one of these bad boys, and all I can say is WOW!! The neck alone is worth the expense. Honestly, it is the most comfortable neck I have ever played. I'm still playing with the S-1 switching, and getting the hang of the tone, but the new pickups are excellent. I purchased this "Open Box" from Custom Guitars Friend, and was quite worried about it, but with the heavy discount, 45 day return policy, and a 10% off coupon, I figured it was worth a shot. As another reviewer stated, it was listed as light scratches, but they were just in the plastic covering the pick guard. This guitar is absolutely flawless, and in mint condition!! Hats off to Fender, and to Custom Guitars Friend!!
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.A great USA made Strat. I'm a little surprised that the fret edges stick out a bit, not as well finished as my Malmsteen Strat's frets.
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.I have been playing for 36 years. I only listed the pros that I have experienced with this guitar in the last 30 days, but the list will grow larger! Fender hit a home run with this neck design! I am glad that I decided to pay the extra to try the new neck, the very comfortable Elite Bridge and the locking tuners. The 4th generation noiseless pickups work. Add that to the different tones you can get with the large combination of single or multiple pickups via the 5 blade switch, and the button hidden in the volume control for different combos of series and parallel pickup arrangements and this guitar is extremely diverse in tones, but they are all Fender! BTW, my Sky Burst Metallic was heavily discounted and advertised as a level 2 return. There were some light scratches, but they were on the protective covering on the pick guard! I removed it and this guitar is MINT! The case candy had not even been opened.

I have always loved the Fender USA Strats. Such a versatile and well made guitar. I bought my first Strat from my LGS new in 1984. I had to sell my 1978 Les Paul to fund the purchase. I bought a 1957 Vintage Strat reissue that came in a tweed case. 22 years later In 2006 I decided I wanted to know more about the guitar. It had never been taken apart, and I was apprehensive and exercised extreme caution. I took my time and carefully removed the neck, and it was signed and dated in pencil. I then removed the pick guard for the first time to see the electronics and specifically the pickups. Between the serial number, the signature and date from the neck, and the electronics it that this guitar that I loved was special She is a 1983 Fullerton! My point: You cannot go wrong purchasing a US made Fender guitar! I will never be so fortunate as with the Fullerton, but this guitar is special today, and is another keep for life Fender!
Fender American Elite Maple Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst.

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